. >> reporter: but in libya, the fbi is just starting an investigation. besides the four murders, and the riots faced by president obama, there's the bloody rebellion in syria. and new pressure on the u.s. from israel to get tougher on iran over nuclear weapons. republicans are implying president obama is wavering. >> this is a moment for americans to show our closest allies in the middle east that we stand with them unequivocally, unequivocally, no mixed signals. >> reporter: the middle east suddenly a factor in the race for the white house. prior to the current crisis, the nbc news "wall street journal" poll found president obama had a significant advantage over mitt romney on national security and foreign policy. from capitol hill, i'm steve handelsman, news4. >>> we'll have continuing coverage of the embassy attacks. and ahead we'll explain why the actors in that controversial film say they were tricked into participating. >>> first lady michelle obama was also campaigning in virginia today, and just about an hour she'll be speaking at the university